House Limits Eminent Domain

Wednesday evening the house gave first round approval to a bill banning cities from taking private property "solely" to increase jobs and taxes through development projects.

The measure would give a bonus to landowners whose property is taken based on how long they owned it. The bill would also require written notice to property owners facing condemnation. Eminent domain would be allowed for private projects that are mainly for public use, such as roads, and for private development projects.